MINE FATALITY – On April 3, 2026, a miner died after a scoop backed into another scoop that was transporting a longwall shield. This collision caused the longwall shield to shift and pin the miner, who was working underneath it.
Photo: MSHA
Best Practices
- Ensure work areas are clear and that miners position themselves away from potential hazards, including potential pinch points, when moving or positioning equipment.
- Ensure that all miners are trained on the hazards of moving shields.
- Securely block equipment against motion.
- Provide adequate illumination for miners performing maintenance.
- Wear reflective clothing to aid visibility when working around mobile equipment.
- Communicate your presence and intended movements when working near mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.
Additional Information
This is the eighth fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage”.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by MSHA